A Herkimer County legislator recently expressed disappointment and frustration with his opponent declining an invitation to participate in a radio forum.

Mohawk resident Martin Luppino, running on the Republican line against Legislator Gary Hartman, D-Herkimer, declined to go on “First News with Keeler in the Morning,” a WIBX (950 AM) radio show, which aired Friday.

Hartman said in a news release that he had looked forward to debating with Luppino.

“Sadly, my opponent is depriving voters of this opportunity by his refusal to participate,” he said. “His silence is deafening.”

Luppino said he had to work and was too busy the day of the radio forum. He said there was no particular reason why he chose not to.

“I just didn’t feel the need for a debate,” he said. “I know the issues at hand.”

Hartman pledged to continue knocking on doors, attending community events and other grassroots efforts to reach out to voters before the Tuesday, Nov. 5, election.

While Hartman expressed on the radio show he hoped to debate Luppino in the future, Luppino said he doesn’t envision a debate. He added, however, that he would be going on radio station WUTQ (100.7 FM) in the near future to discuss the issues.

Luppino and Hartman are running for county legislator in District 1, which includes the town of Herkimer districts 5 and 8 and German Flatts district 2 — which is part of Mohawk.